The New Museum Spring Gala

Last night was one of those rare New York nights that actually requires a bit of motivation on my part to venture out into the dark. The New Museum Spring Gala at Cipriani Wall Street honoring artist Christian Marclay was a good plan but, dressed according to the evening’s color dress code, in crisp black and white (specifically a silk and lace Thakoon number with suede stilettos) alongside my date—artist Olympia Scarry—in super-chic black strapless Dior, I wasn’t exactly tropical-thunderstorm-proof. Arriving at a packed venue, balloons on the ceiling, pretty flower arrangements on the tables, and a veritable who’s who of the New York arts scene, though, it became clear the weather had done little to deter anyone. Artists T.J. Wilcox, Nate Lowman, Jack Pierson, Haley Mellin, and George Condo, as well as key art dealers, socials, and fashion scenesters were all in attendance. The event was sold out and raised a total of $1.6 million.

Rachel Chandler Guinness, Carlos Mota, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, and Leelee Sobieski and of course honorary chairs Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler were all on hand to honor Christian Marclay, who recently intrigued with his fabulous multimedia installation The Clock at the Museum of Modern Art. He told the crowd dining on wagyu beef and potatoes in his acceptance speech that not only was his first museum show ever at the New Museum (in 1988), but he also met his now wife, then the museum’s intern there. T.J. Wilcox told me: “My introduction to Marclay’s work came in the form of a small pillow. It was handsome and shiny, made from long plastic ribbons woven together. The title told me it was made from cassette tapes of Beatles recordings, knit together. I’ve had his particular music stuck in my head ever since and was delighted the New Museum chose to honor his practice.” We were well entertained throughout the evening with a music and sound performance by his close friend and collaborator, Shelley Hirsch, who, dressed in a black-and-white striped skirt and a pink boa, chirped and chanted onstage. Later, Sotheby’s auctioneer superstar Tobias Meyer sold the opportunity for a John Baldessari portrait.